What advice would you give new college students starting college?

Three people who have been through the third-level experience share their tips

“It’s been three years since I graduated from Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, where I studied Irish and Media Communications. At first, I was slightly nervous about the big move from Connemara to Limerick, as everything was all so new, but I tried not to overthink it and just got on with it. Thankfully, it didn’t take long for me to adapt to the travelling, living in the city and the college work. I got to meet the best kind of people that I can say will be my best friends forever. It’s important that you get the balance right between studying and having a social life too.

*Ben Murnane photo credit: Paul Gallagher My best advice is to be yourself and never change for anyone agus bíodh an-chraic a’d (enjoy the craic/fun)!”

Máire Ní Cheannabháin, Co Galway

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“From the very start in college, you will get the opportunity to do new things, and you never know when those chances might come again. The chance to take a class on a topic that fascinates you, even though it’s not part of your core course; to see someone famous you admire speaking at one of the college societies, and to talk to them face to face. Never pass up these opportunities – you never know what inspiration and ideas for the future you might discover, and you’ll certainly have fun.”

Ben Murnane*, author and editor

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(www.benmurnane.com), Co Wicklow

“It can be tempting to skip classes, but do try to keep up with going to lectures and get ahead with your course work. Keep track of when your assignments are due and when exams are scheduled. These dates are usually very close together, so don’t leave it all to the last minute.”

Niamh O’Grady, Co Kerry

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